- A
ServiceAccount
Why wrong: ServiceAccount is for identity, not for enforcing security contexts.
- B
PodSecurityPolicy (deprecated)
Why wrong: PodSecurityPolicy is deprecated and not recommended for new deployments.
- C
NodeRestriction
Why wrong: NodeRestriction limits node access, not pod security.
- D
Kyverno
Kyverno can enforce policies like requiring runAsNonRoot: true.
Question 743 of 997
Using Kyverno to Require runAsNonRoot in Pod Specs
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of supply chain security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security engineer wants to ensure that all container images in a Kubernetes cluster have a non-root user. Which admission controller can enforce this requirement?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Kyverno
Kyverno is a Kubernetes-native policy engine that can enforce custom admission control rules, such as requiring containers to run as a non-root user. Unlike deprecated or built-in controllers, Kyverno allows you to define fine-grained policies (e.g., `autogen-check`) that validate or mutate Pod specs to ensure `runAsNonRoot: true` or `runAsUser: >0`.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ServiceAccount
Why it's wrong here
ServiceAccount is for identity, not for enforcing security contexts.
- ✗
PodSecurityPolicy (deprecated)
Why it's wrong here
PodSecurityPolicy is deprecated and not recommended for new deployments.
- ✗
NodeRestriction
Why it's wrong here
NodeRestriction limits node access, not pod security.
- ✓
Kyverno
Why this is correct
Kyverno can enforce policies like requiring runAsNonRoot: true.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common pitfall is selecting PodSecurityPolicy because it was the traditional way to enforce security policies, but it is deprecated and removed in newer Kubernetes versions. The question specifically asks for an admission controller that can enforce a non-root user requirement. Built-in controllers like ServiceAccount or NodeRestriction cannot enforce custom pod security policies. Kyverno (and OPA/Gatekeeper) are Kubernetes-native policy engines that act as dynamic admission controllers to validate or mutate pod specs. Candidates often overlook that Kyverno is a valid admission controller for such custom rules.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Kyverno policies use `validate` rules with `pattern` or `anyPattern` to check `spec.containers[*].securityContext.runAsNonRoot: true` or `runAsUser: >0`. Under the hood, Kyverno registers a mutating or validating webhook that intercepts Pod creation; if the policy fails, the request is rejected. A real-world scenario is enforcing non-root for all workloads in a multi-tenant cluster to prevent privilege escalation via container escape.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CKS exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Supply Chain Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Supply Chain Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CKS questions
997 questions across all exam domains
- →
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist CKS study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CKS practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Supply Chain Security — This question tests Supply Chain Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Kyverno — Kyverno is a Kubernetes-native policy engine that can enforce custom admission control rules, such as requiring containers to run as a non-root user. Unlike deprecated or built-in controllers, Kyverno allows you to define fine-grained policies (e.g., `autogen-check`) that validate or mutate Pod specs to ensure `runAsNonRoot: true` or `runAsUser: >0`.
What should I do if I get this CKS question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CKS practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CKS exam.
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